As 2025 draws to a close, pubs across the UK are reflecting on a year of change, challenge, and opportunity. With the UK pub and bar market now worth £24.1 billion, growing 1.9% year-on-year, and customers spending over 7% more per visit, the industry has shown resilience despite rising costs and shifting consumer habits. Now, looking towards 2026, operators are focusing on efficiency, service quality, and technology to stay competitive while adapting to the evolving landscape of the UK hospitality sector.
The Autumn 2025 Budget introduced targeted business rates reforms to help hospitality venues cope with rising rateable values, including historically low multipliers for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties, plus Transitional Relief schemes to limit sudden bill increases. Planning and licensing reforms were also announced to ease regulatory burdens.
Despite this support, the industry continues to face significant pressures. Official data shows around 84,000 hospitality jobs have been lost since last year’s Budget, reflecting wage pressures, rising operational costs, and ongoing closures. Many operators worry that further rate and wage increases will continue to strain staff, especially younger workers, and limit the sector’s competitiveness.
1. The UK Pub Industry: Key Trends Heading into 2026
As a market leader in hospitality technology, CST works closely with operators across the UK pub sector, giving us a unique, data-driven view of how consumer behaviour and operational priorities are evolving. Based on insights gathered from the wider market, we have identified the following key trends shaping the industry as it moves towards 2026.
- Market value: £24.1 billion, up 1.9% year-on-year
- Millennials: 19.7% of pub visits, seeking premium experiences
- Gen Z: 36% socialise in pubs, making venues central to their social lives
- Guests are choosing fewer nights out but higher-quality experiences
Operators that embrace technology, managed models, and events-led experiences are best positioned to thrive in 2026.
2. Leverage Technology to Streamline Service
With job losses and labour pressures continuing to affect the hospitality sector, technology has become essential for maintaining high standards of service with leaner teams. Smart systems allow operators to work more efficiently, protect service quality, and ensure guests still enjoy a seamless, welcoming experience, even when staffing levels are stretched.
Guest Paging Systems
Allow customers to wait wherever they prefer while staying in the “invisible queue,” reducing congestion and freeing staff from managing waiting guests.
Table Tracking Systems
Deliver food up to 75% faster with RFID tracking, helping smaller teams stay organised, keep dishes hot, and avoid delays during busy periods.
WaiterCall™ System
Kitchen-to-waiter paging alerts staff when food is ready, keeping dishes hot while reducing noise, wasted trips, and food waste. Auto-recall, all-page messages, and manager alerts enable fast, discreet team communication.
Two-Way Radios
Enable instant, real-time communication across busy venues, helping teams coordinate table availability, guest requests, and order progress.
How CST solutions help you stay ahead:
By automating tasks, improving communication, and reducing operational bottlenecks, CST technology enables pubs to deliver exceptional service with fewer staff on the floor. These systems give teams the support they need to work smarter, not harder, ensuring guests remain satisfied even in a challenging labour market.
3. Preparing Your Team for a Successful 2026
Your team is the foundation of a successful pub. Well-trained, engaged staff keep operations running smoothly and create the welcoming, high-quality experiences that encourage guests to return. As more pubs move towards managed models with consistent standards, ongoing training and clear communication has become essential.
With customers choosing fewer nights out but spending more on each visit, every interaction matters. Teams must feel confident handling pressure, anticipating guest needs, and working seamlessly together during busy periods.
What to focus on in 2026:
• Equip teams to manage high-pressure service confidently and professionally
• Improve internal communication to reduce delays and misunderstandings
• Use smart technology to support smaller teams and maintain service quality
• Train staff to anticipate guest needs and personalise the experience
• Keep teams engaged with regular refreshers, feedback, and clear expectations
By investing in staff development alongside the right operational tools, pubs can deliver memorable guest experiences while protecting their business against ongoing economic and operational challenges.
